Kristin Karst, Rudi Schreiner and
Brenda Kyllo having just arrived for the
ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage.
In the small German town of Vilshofen on the Danube River, the AmaSonata was successfully christened today in great style and with wonderful fanfare by her Canadian Godmother, Brenda Kyllo who is the head of CAA National. Brenda is just one of a few Canadian women in the travel industry who have been afforded such an honour and I can tell you from firsthand experience that this is indeed a remarkable privilege. She knows and understands this and has taken her Godmother responsibilities very seriously. And naturally she is completely and utterly thrilled – and it was a joy to see her face when the bottle broke – great smiles all around!
Brenda and husband Jean-Noel.
I was only able to arrive at the ship on Monday afternoon due to personal commitments elsewhere. Brenda and her husband, Jean-Noel, with some family members and a host of CAA Travel executives have been fortunate enough to spend the last week sailing up the Danube from Budapest enjoying fabulous, hot and sunny weather most of the way. They have regaled me with many stories from their week’s cruise and all the features of the AmaSonata they have particularly enjoyed – the service and the food getting very high marks as usual.
The AmaSonata has been sailing for a few months now but the naming ceremony was fixed for July in hopes of bright and sunny weather which was, however, not to be. But, the uninvited rain didn’t really hamper the ceremony which was held quayside under a tented area. The ceremonies included local children and gentlemen in typical Bavarian style dress. Co-owners of AmaWaterways, the truly wonderful Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner played a major role in the intimate, charming and thoughtful ceremony as well. Vilshofen has been the christening site for a number of AmaWaterways ships and will continue to do so according to its Mayor.
Brenda told me at dinner on Monday that she and the Captain had a rehearsal 2 days ago with a practice bottle of champagne which did break. Captain Jan De Bruin is a Dutchman from a small town near Rotterdam and has been sailing the rivers for 40 years this October. He has been with AMA for 8 years and this will be his 7th christening of an AmaWaterways ship so he knows what he is doing. But our Godmother got it right too and after she gave a lovely speech (which made me tear up a bit) she smashed that bottle with great vigour. And then of course it was champagne all around and lots of hugs and hearty congratulations.
AmaSonata Godmother Brenda Kyllo
with Captain Jan De Bruin.
I will write more about my short experience on AmaSonata in my next column as these pictures taken today do tell much of the christening story. My deep affection and admiration goes to Brenda for a job very well done and for being such an elegant and lovely Godmother. I know that Rudi and Kristin and their partners and colleagues are delighted as well. Thank you AmaWaterways for including me in this special occasion – I am sure the AmaSonata will sail for many years on the rivers of Europe and always with happy guests and a wonderful crew.
